There’s Nothing Like the First Time

As BMI's Patsy Bradley noted during the celebration for "Austin," it was a party of many firsts: the first #1 for songwriters David Kent and Kirsti Manna (heck, it was her first cut!), plus the first #1 for Blake Shelton (artist), Talbot Music Publishing (publisher), Bobby Braddock (producer) and Bradley (presenter).

Shelton was also congratulated for claiming the #1 position on both Billboard's Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and Top Country Singles Sales chart, making him the first debut male country artist to own the top spot on both charts simultaneously. His self-titled debut album on Warner Bros. features 10 tracks, four of which he wrote.

BMI/Talbot writer Kent, who formerly toured and recorded with Hall & Oates, has had songs recorded by a variety of artists, including Martina McBride, Neal McCoy, Tracy Byrd, Mark Wills, Lari White, Emilio, Tim O'Brien and Riders In the Sky.